NORMAL, Ill. – The Redbird women's basketball team (4-7) closed non-conference play with a 77-66 win over Saint Louis (4-8) at Redbird Arena on Monday.
Junior DeAnna Wilson scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds en route to her fifth career double-double while fifth year Juliunn Redmond netted 20 points and hauled in seven rebounds.
Saint Louis was led by Ciaja Harbison's 23 points.
TURNING POINT
After leading 34-32 at the half, Illinois State used a 9-2 run to extend its advantage to 44-38, a lead in which the 'Birds would never give up. ISU came away with points in its first four possessions of the fourth quarter, leading 58-49. SLU drew within five on two occasions in the final seven minutes, but drew no closer.
Illinois State shot 48.1% (26-of-54) from the field and 27.8% (5-of-18) from three-point range while Saint Louis shot 40% (26-of-65) from the floor and 29.4% (5-of-17) from deep.
IN THE BOX SCORE
- Redmond has scored at least 16 points in the last four games and at least 20 points in three of the last four contests.
- Wilson only recorded one personal foul while drawing eight fouls from the Billikens.
- Grad student Jada Stinson turned in an all-around performance posting eight points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
- Redshirt junior Mary Crompton nailed a pair of second-half three-pointers. Crompton now has multiple three-pointers made in nine games this season and 50 of 69 career games (72.5%)
QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH KRISTEN GILLESPIE:
On ISU's performance in non-conference play: "What a way to go on the break. I don't know Saint Louis' story, I only know ours, but I think it's safe to say both teams are better than their records. Those 14 [student-athletes] are the authors of the story we're writing and although I wish we could go back and make some edits to some of the chapters, I know everything we're going through is preparing us for January when we open up conference play."
On Wilson's double-double: "I think she's one of the best post players in the league. Another double-double and with six offensive rebounds, which is just phenomenal."
UP NEXT
ISU will open Missouri Valley Conference play against Bradley on January 1 at Redbird Arena. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. CT.
For all latest on Illinois State women's basketball, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team at @RedbirdWBB (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
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